Photographers are sometimes so locked into one image-editingprogram that they’re unlikelyto explore other options. To help you, we’ve put together this quick roundup of some of the morecapable image-editors on the market and taken a quick inventory of a trio of video-editing applicationsas well. Whether you’re interested in ditching your current software or simply want to addto your digital toolbox, it’s always a good idea to know what’s out there.

ACDSEE PRO 7

This software’s strength lies in balancing a solid
digital asset management system with a full range
of robust photo-editing features. Although Windows-only (there’s a Mac Pro 3 version available),
Pro 7 still supports Windows XP as well as Vista,
Windows 7 and 8, so anyone who’s clinging to XP
has a viable editing option with this application.

It’s available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Batch processing, brush-on adjustments, non-destructive editing, gradients and special effects
all make this an attractive option for photo editing. There are options to convert to black-and-white, as well as RAW processing, noise reduction
and smart sharpening. It also supports dual monitors so you can easily extend your screen view.

Price: $200 (Pro 7 upgrade $60)

WWW.ACDSEE.COM

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM 5. 5

Still available as legacy (boxed) software, and via
Creative Cloud, Lightroom is fast, efficient and offers a solid post-processing workflow. Enable Smart
Previews to save larger-than-average previews
(DNGs) for offline editing, and you can leave your
external hard drives in the studio. Make your edits
on the Smart Preview files and the updates will be
automatically applied to the originals when you reconnect the external storage device containing the
source files.

Other important improvements include an Advanced (and adjustable) Healing Brush for painting
out unwanted elements like blemishes, an easy tool
for straightening images and the ability to create
multimedia video slideshows.